Archaeologists Unearth 3,500-Year-Old 'Book of the Dead' in Ancient Egyptian Cemetery

Archaeologists have made a compelling discovery in central Egypt, unearthing a 3,500-year-old scroll believed to be an ancient Egyptian "Book of the Dead." This remarkable find was presented alongside other recent archaeological revelations from the Tuna al-Gebel cemetery.

The scroll, estimated to measure between 43 and 49 feet in length, reportedly contains a compilation of spells intended to guide the dead in the afterlife. This discovery offers a rare insight into ancient Egyptian funerary practices and beliefs surrounding the passage into the next realm.

Cemetery From the New Kingdom

The cemetery in question, located in the Al-Ghuraifa area of Tuna Al-Jabal, Minya, is a burial ground for senior officials and priests from the New Kingdom period. This revelation marks the first instance of uncovering a complete papyrus in the Al-Ghuraifa area.

The excavations, led by the Egyptian Archaeological Mission under the auspices of Dr. Mustafa Waziri, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, commenced in 2017.

Throughout the seventh season, which began in August, the team unveiled a necropolis featuring numerous tombs hewn into the rock. Within these tombs, a wealth of archaeological artifacts were discovered, including amulets, ornaments, and stone and wooden coffins containing mummies.

Notable among these findings were Ushabti statues crafted from pottery and wood, linked to high-ranking officials like "Jahuti Miss," who oversaw the bulls of the Temple of Amun, and Mrs. "Nani," a minstrel in Jehuti's service.

Waziri emphasized the significance of this discovery, highlighting that this is the first instance of locating a New Kingdom cemetery in the fifteenth region of Upper Egypt.

Previous excavations in the area unearthed cemeteries from the Old Kingdom, First Intermediate Period, and Middle Kingdom. These were located east of the Nile in the Sheikh Sa'id and Deir al-Barsha regions.

Late-Era Artifacts Include 'Book of the Dead'

Moreover, the archaeological evidence indicates that parts of this cemetery were repurposed in later eras, yielding a trove of late-era artifacts, including various-sized Ushabti statues, canopic vessels crafted from alabaster, limestone, and faience, thousands of amulets, and a range of stone sarcophagi, some featuring engraved and colored wooden coffins with well-preserved mummies.

A particularly noteworthy find was a scroll, identified as the first complete papyrus from the Al-Ghuraifa area. Preliminary estimations suggest it spans roughly 13 to 15 meters.

This papyrus delves into the Book of the Dead, a crucial ancient Egyptian funerary text, and is noteworthy for its exceptional state of preservation. It is anticipated that this significant artifact will be exhibited in the Grand Egyptian Museum.

This discovery not only sheds light on ancient Egyptian burial practices but also serves as a testament to the enduring cultural and historical significance of Egypt's archaeological sites.